Is there a reason to get a copy of your marriage certificate?

I'm not sure how this varies state to state, but everything I've changed so far has required the original copy; certified copies were specifically pointed out as not valid. I also did not have to send it in to change my SS card... just showed it at the local office.

I know my Social Security office gives the option of doing it in the office OR doing it by mail - that's probably what she's referring to. If you're not able to get to an office between 9 and 4 on weekdays, sometimes doing it by mail is easier - and in that case you need to mail them the certified copy of your license.

We got one copy - only because it was relatively inexpensive to get one (something like $15). We might not need it, but it was easier to spend the money right there than get one mailed to us later if we needed it. @HiH - you're kind of in the same situation as us - getting married in a different state than we live in - so it's not like you'll just be able to run out to the office to get a copy quickly. If it's inexpensive, mostly because of the hassle of having to get a new copy from an out of state office, I would get one copy.

@Jess - When we got our copy, it was the EXACT same thing as the "original". Are you sure they don't mean that copies (like photocopies) are invalid? Because no one really gets the original - that stays at the clerks office.

Boston Kate - that could be the case, but I swear it said certified copies. I really didn't pay a lot of attention though because I don't have a copy so it's a non-issue for me.

I think it couldn't hurt to have an extra copy of it. If you are changing your passport, you have to mail it away and wait for it to come back. You can mail it or go in person to the social security office. You're right that some things have to be done sequentially, and it probably varies by state, but there are some things you could take care of at the same time if you have an extra copy. If they aren't too expensive, I'd get one extra.

My mom encouraged me to get a second copy, which I kept at her house in case of a fire at my place. I never actually needed it, but getting it then and there was a heck of a lot easier than it would be to go back later and try to get a certified copy.

@ Jess- Where I live the county keeps the original signed license for their records and only gives you copies that have stamped and signed by county officials.

I got 2 and regret paying the extra money. Like others have said, you go to SS and they mail you the card. They also give you a form saying you changed your name at the time of appointment. You wait 48 hours for the SS to upload the name change to the DMV and go in with the paper that you got at the appointment. Bank I just went in, CC I just called, and everything else wanted just a copy.

EDT: The passport just needs to be done within a year of it being issues to be fee free. I had to renew mine right before the wedding so I just waited until everything else was done.

I got 2. I'm glad I did. We had to send one to the passport office and it took 6 weeks to get it back, in the meantime I had to send one to my health insurance because we were in the midst of renewing our policy. If I hadn't had an extra it would have messed everything up.

No extra copies! I was going to, but then the person said it's the same cost if you lose it and get a replacement in a few months

In Fla., you get one free certified copy (included in the price of the license) and can get extra certified copies for $3 each.

The original-original goes to Tallahassee.

If you're getting married out of your home state, it might be worthwhile to get a couple of extras now because it could take a while later on.

I needed it for my job to change my name, but you can also use the print off from the SS office when you change your name there.